Qfc mkii inst.qxd

• Visual and audible error messages reverse polarity on input or • Other safety features include time-out charge termination, fused current overload and reverse polarity protection.
• Same size as regular power panels, for easy mounting in field boxes.
• Rear enclosure included for use as a stand-alone charger.
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
• Charge only nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-polymer or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Do NOT attempt to chargeother types of rechargeable batteries as permanent damage to thebattery and charger could result.
• Do not use automotive type battery chargers to power the charger.
• Do not allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the charger.
• Do not attempt to use batteries with more cells or total voltage than • DO NOT LEAVE THE CHARGER UNATTENDED WHILE
IMPORTANT!! READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO USE.
CHARGING. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND REMOVE
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO PERSONS
INPUT POWER FROM CHARGER IMMEDIATELY IF THE
AND PROPERTY.
CHARGER BECOMES HOT!! ALLOW THE CHARGER OR
BATTERY TO COOL DOWN BEFORE RECONNECTING.
• Do not place the charger or battery on a flammable surface or near INTRODUCTION
a flammable object while in use. Keep away from carpets, cluttered Thank you for purchasing Hobbico’s® Quick Field Charger MkII™.
Capable of charging nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride • Always turn off the power switch when not in use.
(NiMH), lithium-polymer (LiPo) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, • Do not overcharge batteries as permanent damage could result.
Quick Field Charger MkII is specifically designed for convenience Do not use a charge or discharge current rate which exceeds the and flexibility for charging radio batteries at the flight line. It can even safe level of the battery. Do not attempt to charge or discharge a charge park flyer type aircraft batteries! Two independent charge circuits can each charge transmitter or receiver batteries – even
single cells! Adjustable current ranging from 200mA to 2.0A for eachcharge circuit is great for custom matching the charger to your CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR NIMH BATTERIES
battery’s needs. Three-color LEDs, sound cues and built-in voltmetermonitoring jacks aid in setting up and monitoring charge progress.
While similar in appearance to NiCd batteries and having the same Damage resulting from misuse or modification of this charger
1.2V rating per cell, NiMH cells contain a different chemical makeup will void your warranty.
which requires different care and handling.
• Do not allow NiMH batteries to overheat at any time. Heat can
SPECIFICATIONS
adversely affect the performance of NiMH batteries. If overheating is observed, disconnect the battery from the charger immediately and allow to cool! Reduce charge current rate for future charges.
• Do not attempt to use the NiCd or LiPo/Li-Ion charge function with • Store NiMH packs with some voltage remaining on the cells.
• Use a NiMH battery pack no more than three cycles per day, with a two to three hour break in-between for cooling. More frequent Fast Charge Termination (each port): Peak Detection (NiCd & NiMH) • NiMH cells have a self-discharge range of approximately 20-25% (compared to 15% for NiCd batteries). Thus, if NiMH batteries have been inactive for more than a few days it is important to recharge CARE & HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
LITHIUM-POLYMER AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
120 minutes - NiCd/NiMH180 minutes - LiPo/Li-Ion Never attempt to care for lithium-polymer (LiPo) or lithium-ion (Li-
Ion) cells in the same way as other battery types! LiPo/Li-Ion cells
have design and operational characteristics which greatly differ from
NiCd and NiMH batteries and thus have different care and handling
SPECIAL FEATURES
requirements. In addition, do not mistake LiPo or Li-Ion cells for other • Perfect for Tx and Rx batteries. Also good for single cell glow lithium-based cell types (such as lithium-metal, etc.), as other lithium hybrids have different care and handling characteristics as well. All • EACH port handles 1-8 NiCd or NiMH cells and 1-3 LiPo/Li-Ion cells.
“lithium” based batteries types are NOT the same.
• EACH port offers 0.2A-2.0A of adjustable, linear charge current • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE NICD OR NIMH CHARGE
• EACH port offers 0, 50mA, 85mA and 100mA trickle charge FUNCTIONS WITH LIPO OR LI-ION BATTERIES!
• THE LIPO/LI-ION CHEMISTRY IS A VERY VOLATILE MIXTURE.
• EACH port includes tri-color LEDs and sound cues, for ease of MISUSE CAN QUICKLY RESULT IN CELLS GETTING HOT,
EXPLODING, OR IGNITING WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS
• EACH PORT includes built-in jacks for monitoring battery voltage DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
• LiPo/Li-Ion cells have an 8% self discharge rate, meaning they can • Peak detection charge method for NiCd and NiMH batteries.
hold charge very well. Thus, there is no need to trickle charge • CC/CV charge method for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
• Do NOT continue to charge LiPo/Li-Ion cells if they do not recharge BATTERY CONNECTION AND CHARGER CONTROLS
within the specified charging time. Failure to follow this guidelinecould cause the battery to become hot, explode, or ignite.
Power: The main on/off POWER button is located on the far left. The
• LiPo/Li-Ion cells should be charged about once per year at a red LED will illuminate when the switch is turned to the “ON” position.
• LiPo/Li-Ion batteries should be stored with about 30%-50% Two Charge Ports: Each of Quick Field Charger MkII’s charge
circuits or “ports” contain two sets of banana jacks. One set of jacksis marked “BATT” for connection of the battery to be charged. Thesecond set of jacks marked “METER” is for connecting an externalvoltmeter for monitoring battery voltage during charge if so desired.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS CONCERNING USE OF
Controls: Each charge port includes one red current adjustment dial
LITHIUM-POLYMER AND LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
and one yellow pushbutton. Each red dial adjusts the charge current It is strongly recommended to only use LiPo/Li-Ion cells which have for its respective charge port. Each pushbutton is used to initiate the obtained UL1642 approval to ensure they have been produced in charge process for its respective port and can be used to manually accordance with specific safety criteria. It is also strongly halt a charge process that is currently under way (if desired).
recommended to use UL approved cells which have been assembledwith a charge protection circuit built into the pack. Such circuits help CHARGING BATTERIES
to regulate cell operation to make sure they operate within specifiedcurrent and voltage limits. Batteries not containing a built-in regulative Two totally independent charge circuits are built into this charger, circuit can accidently be overcharged, thus posing significant risk of noted as “CHARGER 1” and “CHARGER 2.” Each port is capable of fire and/or explosion. Consult your battery supplier if you are
charging batteries containing from 1 to 8 NiCd or NiMH cells in unsure if your LiPo/Li-Ion battery has UL1642 approval or
series, or 1-3 LiPo or Li-Ion cells in series. Therefore, both ports can includes a built-in protection circuit.
charge 4 or 5 cell receiver batteries, 8 cell transmitter batteries,single cell glow ignitor batteries – even 6 or 7 cell batteries for park It is strongly recommended to set the charge current at a LOW
flyer aircraft. This convenient feature means that no one port is value for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries for safety purposes. Set the
dedicated strictly for transmitter or receiver batteries.
charge current to NO GREATER than the battery’s 1C rating.
For example, charge a 600mAh battery at 0.6A, a 900mAh
Each port has adjustable current ranging from 200mA (great for battery at 0.9A, etc. Closely monitor the temperature of the
charging small cells) up to 2.0 amps (for charging larger size cells).
cells during charge. If cells become excessively warm to the
Low charge currents are more gentle on batteries and tend to result touch or begin to swell during charge remove them from the
in more accurate, full charges but take longer to fully charge charger immediately, and reduce the level of charge current for
batteries. Smaller cells, such as “AAA” size cells and smaller can future charges to prevent cells from overheating.
easily overheat when charged with excessive charge currents andtherefore should only be charged at low rates. High charge currentsresult in much quicker charge times, but are more stressful onbatteries which can shorten their overall lifespan. Larger cells, suchas “AA” and “A” size can handle higher charge currents, but battery MOUNTING
temperature should be monitored during the charge process to If desired to use as a stand-alone charger, a rear enclosure is included make sure the battery does not overheat.
with Quick Field Charger MkII to protect all internal circuitry frompossible damage from external forces. The physical shape and size of NiCd and NiMH Batteries: Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride
Quick Field Charger MkII’s faceplate match that of a regular power batteries are charged using the peak detection method. This method panel. This makes it very easy for mounting the charger directly into a is more reliable than the “peak prediction” technique used by some field box. Before removing the rear enclosure for field box mounting, chargers and can result in a battery safely receiving approximately please remove the fuse from the rear enclosure. Next simply remove 95-98% full charge, after which time the charger will automatically the rear enclosure from Quick Field Charger MkII, then mount the face switch to a gentle trickle charge current. Trickle charge will help the panel directly into the pre-cut power panel hole on the field box (minor battery safely reach its 100% full charge potential.
adjustments to field box may be necessary). Remember to insert thefuse back into the face panel once the Quick Field Charger MkII has LiPo and Li-Ion Batteries: The “constant current/constant voltage”
been properly mounted in the field box. Failure to replace the fuse will method is used for charging LiPo and Li-Ion batteries. As the battery cause the Quick Field Charger MkII to be inoperable.
approaches full charge the charger will recognize a reduction in chargecurrent – which is how LiPo/Li-Ion batteries naturally react when fullycharged – and will halt the fast charge process. Battery manufacturersdo not recommend applying a trickle charge to LiPo/Li-Ion batteries, INPUT POWER
thus no trickle charge is available. See the “Important Warnings
Concerning Use Of Lithium-Polymer And Lithium-Ion Batteries”
Quick Field Charger MkII only accepts DC input power which could section on this page before charging LiPo/Li-Ion packs.
come from a power supply or 12V automotive battery. Do notattempt to apply more than 15V to the input, as permanent damage TO CHARGE A BATTERY:
to the charger could result and void the warranty. Applying less than11V to the inputs will not be sufficient power to allow the charger to It is highly recommended to use pre-assembled charge leads to work properly. Securely connect the charger’s red alligator clip to the avoid possible erroneous operation as a result of using poor quality positive (+) terminal on the power source and the black alligator clip connections. Always connect the charge lead to the charger first.
to the negative (-) terminal. It’s best to use a clean DC power source Then connect the battery to the charge lead.
whose output is filtered to remove unwanted electrical noise. Toachieve maximum potential, the power source must be capable of WARNING! Do not short the battery connections, as
delivering at least 3 amps of current while maintaining 12 volts DC.
permanent damage to the battery and/or the charger could
Turn off the power switch when not in use.
result and void your warranty. Do not attempt to charge a
battery through the meter jacks.
WARNING! Make sure the charger’s positive (+) and negative (-)
input connections are never accidentally shorted together
Select a charge port. Securely connect the battery to be charged to the when connected to 12V DC power. Failure to do so could result
“BATT” jacks, with the positive (+) battery lead connected to the red in permanent damage to the power source and the charger.
jack and the negative (-) battery lead to the charger’s black jack. Set that port’s red current adjustment dial to the appropriate charge current Fast Charge Setting
Trickle Charge Rate
setting to match the battery (consult your battery supplier if there is any question as to what is the appropriate setting). If charging a battery inside a Tx, or one which is inside a model connected to a switch harness, make sure the power switch is in the “off” position. The LED will NOT do anything at this time – this is normal.
Quick Field Charger MkII will indicate that fast charge has ended Push this port’s yellow pushbutton in the sequence listed below to and trickle charge has begun by emitting an audible tone seven times and the LED will flash four times. The charger will remain inthe trickle charge state until the battery is removed from the charger, NiCd BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton ONCE to charge
or another input command is given to the charger.
NiCd batteries. The LED above the charge jacks will flash RED 3times, then change to a constant red glow to indicate the peakdetection quick charge of NiCd batteries is in progress.
NiMH BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton TWICE to charge
NiMH batteries. The LED above the charge jacks will flash AMBER
3 times, then change to a constant AMBER glow to indicate the
CONNECTING A VOLTMETER
peak detection quick charge of NiMH batteries is in progress.
LiPo/Li-Ion BATTERIES: Press the yellow pushbutton THREE
TIMES to charge LiPo/Li-Ion batteries. The LED above the charge
jacks will flash GREEN 3 times, then change to a constant green
glow to indicate the “cc/cv” quick charge of LiPo/Li-Ion batteries is in
progress. Note: The maximum charge current for LiPo/Li-Ion
batteries on each port is 1 amp. When charging LiPo/Li-Ion cells,
turning the current adjustment past “1.0” will NOT increase the
charge current more than 1.0 amp.
WARNING! Lithium-polymer and Lithium-ion cells are
It may be desirable to monitor a battery’s voltage with a voltmeter VERY sensitive and volatile. Do NOT attempt to charge
while it is being charged. Quick Field Charger MkII offers one set of LiPo/Li-Ion cells at excessive currents or temperatures.
voltmeter jacks for each charge port. To monitor a battery with a Failure to do so could result in bodily harm and/or
permanent damage to the cells as the LiPo/Li-Ion chemistry
can be very explosive. Make sure the GREEN LED is lit when
1. Select a voltmeter which has a selectable load, such as the Hobbico charging LiPo/Li-Ion batteries. Disconnect LiPo/Li-Ion
Digital Voltmeter MkIII (HCAP0356) or a standard digital voltmeter.
batteries from the charger IMMEDIATELY if they begin to
swell or become very warm to the touch. It is strongly
2. Set the voltmeter to the proper scale, making sure the meter’s internal recommended to ONLY use packs consisting of LiPo/Li-Ion
load is turned off (if possible). Do NOT use an expanded scale cells which also contain a built-in protective circuitry which
voltmeter (ESV) because it’s on-board load will steal current from will protect the pack in the event of excessive conditions. Do
Not charge LiPo/Li-Ion cells at greater than their 1C rating.
3. Connect the voltmeter to the appropriate METER jacks, following If it is necessary or desirable to stop the charge process after it hasalready begun, simply re-press the respective yellow button which Do NOT attempt to charge batteries through Quick Field
will cause the LED to completely dim indicating the quick charge Charger MkII’s METER jacks.
WARNING! It is normal for batteries to become warm during
charge. Disconnect batteries IMMEDIATELY if they become hot
at any time! Extra caution must be observed with NiMH and
LiPo/Li-Ion batteries as any heating will reduce the lifespan of
SAFETY FEATURES
the battery. In such case, it may be necessary to reduce the fast
charge current to lower the possibility of heating. Never
Quick Field Charger MkII utilizes a unique and handy safety feature attempt to charge batteries at excessive rates, as permanent
to warn if problems exist when attempting to quick charge a battery.
damage could result.
If a charge port’s LED alternately flashes red and green and isaccompanied by an audible warning tone, it is an indication that one To charge another battery on Quick Field Charger MkII’s second of three potential problems exists, as follows: charge circuit while another is being charged on the first circuit,simply follow the above directions for the second circuit. In effect, A. The battery was not properly connected to the output before Quick Field Charger MkII is two completely independent chargers in one. It is not necessary to start both charge circuits simultaneously.
One charge circuit does not effect the other charge circuit in any way.
B. The battery somehow becomes disconnected from the charger TRICKLE CHARGE
C. If the battery was accidentally connected to the output jacks in Quick Field Charger MkII will automatically supply trickle charge current to NiCd and NiMH batteries immediately after quick chargehas ended. No trickle charge feature exists for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
In any case, re-check to make sure the battery is connected to the outputjacks properly as explained above. Check to make sure the charge lead The trickle charge current is determined by the setting of the fast is making good contact with the charger’s output jacks and with the charge current dial. The trickle charge rates are as follows: battery to be charged and that proper polarity is being observed.
Quick Field Charger MkII uses solid-state and fused overload circuitries Charge leads, banana plugs to alligator clips to protect against potential damage which could be caused by short- 9V-style Tx connector, Futaba-J Rx charge lead circuit or reverse polarity conditions and provides a backup safety timer.
Reverse Input Polarity: If input power to the charger is connected
in reverse polarity, the charger will be protected from damage but will
not function. Re-check all input connections and the power source to
ensure the proper power and polarities are observed.
Battery Condition Pre-Check: Any time a command is given to
begin charging a battery, the charger will check the condition of the
battery and determine if it is suitable for charging. If an error exists
on either output, the respective LED will flash red and green
alternately, accompanied by audible tones to note the error. This can
occur when a battery is connected to the output in reverse polarity,
or if the charger does not recognize a solid electrical connection to
the battery on the output. The charger will be protected from
damage in either case. Make sure the battery is solidly connected to
the output in proper polarity.
Current Overload: If for some reason a short circuit condition exists
on the input or output, the 7.5A spade (auto) fuse located on the left
side of the charger might blow. In this case, make sure the charger’s
power switch is in the “off” position. Remove and inspect the fuse. If
the fuse is blown, replace with another fuse of the exact same rating.
2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Backup Safety Timer: If for some reason the charger does not
(U.S.A. & CANADA ONLY*)
recognize that the battery has reached full charge, a backup safetytimer will automatically stop charge to prevent damage from Hobbico warrants this product to be free from defects in materials occurring to the pack. The safety time is 2 hours for NiCd and NiMH and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of batteries, and 3 hours for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries.
purchase. During that period, Hobbico will, at its option, repair orreplace without service charge any product deemed defective due tothose causes. You will be required to provide proof of purchase(invoice or receipt). This warranty does not cover damage caused by TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
abuse, misuse, alteration or accident. If there is damage stemming PROBLEM: Charger doesn’t recognize battery.
from these causes within the stated warranty period, Hobbico will, at its option, repair or replace it for a service charge not greater than 1) Battery may be connected backwards. Connect battery leads properly.
50% of its then current retail list price. Be sure to include your 2) Faulty connection or wiring. Correct or replace charge lead.
daytime telephone number in case we need to contact you about 3) Defective cell in the pack. Replace battery pack or cell.
your repair. This warranty gives you specific rights. You may alsohave other rights, which vary from state to state.
PROBLEM: Does not automatically terminate peak charge of NiCd For service on your Hobbico product, warranty or non-warranty, or NiMH batteries after 2 hours, or terminate quick charge of LiPo/Li- ion batteries after 3 hours.
CAUSE AND CURE: Internal problem with charger. Disconnect HOBBY SERVICES
battery immediately and contact Hobby Services for further details.
PROBLEM: Battery voltage low after charge (below 1.2V per cell forNiCd and NiMH batteries, or below 3.6V for LiPo/Li-Ion batteries).
*For warranty and service information if purchased outside the USA or Canada, see the additional warranty information insert (if applicable) 1) Charge rate setting too low. See “Charging Batteries.”
or ask your retailer for more information.
2) Battery connected in reverse. Connect battery leads properly.
3) Defective battery, needs to be replaced.
PROBLEM: LEDs and controls do not function properly.
CAUSE AND CURES: Battery possibly connected backwards. Connect www.hobbico.com
battery leads properly, or contact Hobby Services for further details.
CHARGE LEADS
Hobbico offers a variety of charge leads to match any radio systemyou may have. These items may be purchased through your localhobby shop.
Item Description
Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, except 9VAP Futaba J Tx and Rx charge leads, 9VAP only Made in Korea ENTIRE CONTENTS Copyright 2005 HCAZ3014 for HCAP0290 V1.2

Source: http://www.competitionhobbies.com.br/downloads/hcap0290%20manual.pdf